Anganwadi workers are part of a centrally sponsored scheme implemented by the States / UTs called Anganwadi. This initiative serves as a rural child and maternal care centre in India. The Government of India started this program in 1975 as part of the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) program with the primary objective to combat child hunger and malnutrition. These centres provide six vital services that include supplementary nutrition, pre-school non-formal education, immunization, health check-up, nutrition and health education, and referral services.
Particularly noteworthy is that beneficiaries under the Anganwadi Services Scheme are identified based on Aadhaar. The country’s Supreme Court has recognized the significant role of the Anganwadi workers in delivering these services, particularly as they cater to the needs of around 158 million children who represent the future resource of the country. These workers also serve in disadvantaged areas and cater to the needs of underprivileged groups, making them the backbone of the ICDS.
Important Supreme Court Judgement For Anganwadi Workers
Recently, the Supreme Court acknowledged the critical role of anganwadi workers and ruled that they were entitled to receive gratuity, a basic social security measure. The Court acknowledged their right to this benefit under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972. In addition, it highlighted that it was high time for the Centre and the States to “collectively consider” improving the service conditions of anganwadi workers and helpers.
Furthermore, the Court emphasized that the ICDS deserved more attention in public policy as it acts as an “institutional mechanism for realizing child and women rights”. It brought into focus that these services should be regarded as enforceable entitlements rather than State Charity. As a result, reconsidering the service conditions of these workers was necessary to ensure the quality in the delivery of services and community participation.
Understanding The Role Of Gratuity In Social Security
Gratuity is a benefit payable under the Payment of Gratuity Act 1972. It serves as a financial gesture offered by an employer to an employee in recognition of his/her service rendered to an organization. Essentially, it’s a part of the salary an employee receives and can be viewed as a benefit plan designed to help an individual in retirement.
Employers are required to pay gratuity when an employee leaves the job after serving the same organization for a minimum period of 5 years. It can be seen as a financial “Thank You” to an employee for rendering continuous service to an employer. With the new Supreme Court ruling, anganwadi workers are now entitled to this benefit, marking a significant step towards recognizing their contributions.
Examining The Provisions Of The National Food Security Act, 2013
The role of anganwadi workers extends beyond basic childcare. They often serve as the bridge between the government and beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act, 2013 and the ICDS. The Act addresses the issue of food security through the Public Distribution System and the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).
Enacted on July 5, 2013, the National Food Security Act marked a shift in the approach to food security from welfare to a rights-based approach. One of its key provisions is that the eldest woman in a household, of age 18 years or above, shall be the head of the household for the issuance of a ration card. Moreover, pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a ‘take-home ration’ of 1600 calories per day during pregnancy and for six months thereafter. These provisions highlight the core role of Anganwadi workers in ensuring food security at the grassroots level.